Boba Bhai
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Overview
Boba Bhai is a quick-service restaurant (QSR) chain specializing in bubble tea and Korean-inspired food. Founded in October 2023 by Dhruv Kohli, Boba Bhai has rapidly expanded across India, establishing a notable presence in the bubble tea market. The brand has raised INR 42.5 crore (approximately $4.9 million) to date, having recently secured INR 30 crore in a Series A funding round led by 8i Ventures. Headquartered in Bengaluru, India, Boba Bhai aims to resonate with Gen Z consumers by combining bubble tea flavors with K-pop themed food items.
Recent Developments
- January 2025: Boba Bhai raised INR 30 crore ($3.4 million) in Series A funding, led by 8i Ventures. The funds are to be utilized for expanding into new cities like Pune and Ahmedabad, scaling operations, developing new sub-brands, and enhancing menu offerings with Korean-inspired items, such as ice creams Inc42. The round saw participation from existing investors like Titan Capital Winners Fund and DEVC ETRetail.
- Operations and Strategy: The startup processes over 85,000 orders monthly, comprising primarily online transactions through its platform and delivery partners such as Zomato and Swiggy. This strategic pivot is intended to cater to the evolving preferences of tech-savvy consumers who favor the convenience and variety offered by digital platforms DealStreetAsia.
- With an average order value exceeding INR 400 and a repeat customer rate of 48%, Boba Bhai aims to open over 150 stores by the end of 2025. Its current network includes 42 outlets across nine major Indian cities including Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Chennai ETTech.
- Strategic Intent: Boba Bhai intends to capture a significant share of the Indian bubble tea market, leveraging its unique blend of flavors inspired by Korean cuisine trends popular among the younger demographic. The company’s focus on innovation and operational excellence underscores its aim to establish itself as a frontrunner in India’s QSR landscape Indian Startup News.
Company Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | October 2023 |
| Headquarters | Bengaluru, India |
| Founders | Dhruv Kohli |
| Revenue | Approximately INR 8 crore (within first six months) |
| Profits | Not publicly disclosed |
| Key Investors | 8i Ventures, Titan Capital Winners Fund, Global Growth Capital, DEVC |
| Industry | Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) |
| Number of Employees | Not publicly disclosed |
| Major Product Lines | Bubble Tea, K-pop Burgers, Korean-inspired Ice Cream |
Early History
Boba Bhai was launched in October 2023, fueled by India's burgeoning interest in Korean pop culture. Recognizing a gap in the market, founder Dhruv Kohli envisioned a chain that leveraged this cultural wave, introducing innovative flavors of bubble tea paired with Korean-style burgers. The initial months of operation saw rapid growth, driven by seed funding of INR 12.5 crore secured from Titan Capital and Global Growth Capital. By tapping into the digital economy with strong online sales channels, Boba Bhai quickly scaled its operations to key metropolitan areas ETRetail.
Company Profile and Achievements
- Funding Milestones:
- Early 2024: Raised INR 12.5 crore in seed funding, supporting initial operational scale-up.
- January 2025: Completed a Series A funding round securing INR 30 crore main led by 8i Ventures VCCircle.
- Operational Achievements:
- Processes approximately 85,000 monthly orders with significant volumes from online delivery platforms.
- Developed over 45 unique bubble tea flavors, appealing to diverse consumer tastes Tech in Asia.
- Market Expansion:
- Current presence in nine cities with plans for over 150 outlets by late 2025, emphasizing tier-two and tier-three city entries.
- Product Innovations:
- Newly launched Korean-inspired menu items and a pilot launch of ice creams DealStreetAsia.
Current Operations and Market Position
Currently, Boba Bhai operates 42 outlets in major cities like Bengaluru and Mumbai, aligning its menu with contemporary cultural trends like K-pop. The brand’s significant order volume and repeat customer engagement showcase its growing market presence. Boba Bhai’s strategic use of Series A funds aims to broaden its geographical footprint and product portfolio, solidifying its position as a leader in the burgeoning bubble tea segment Inc42.
Conclusion
Boba Bhai is carving a unique niche for itself in India’s QSR industry by combining Western tea culture with Asian culinary themes, enhancing its appeal among young, culturally attuned consumers. Its strategic adaptations to food and delivery dynamics, alongside innovative flavor offerings, set a strong foundation for growth. With aggressive expansion plans and the aim of establishing a preeminent bubble tea chain, Boba Bhai is poised to influence the future landscape of quick-service food retailing in India, catering to evolving customer preferences and expanding its market share effectively.